McDonald’s has produced 200 bottles of their limited edition Big Mac Sauce, saying that funds generated from sales will go to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Australia. The first bottle has already sold on eBay for $18,000. The condiment is currently being sold online, unless you live in Australia. There are 920 McDonald’s locations in Australia which will sell 600 of the 25ml tubs for just 50 cents ($0.39 USD).

The McDonald’s franchise is known for its special, deliciously tangy sauce. The “special sauce,” which has been an integral part of the Big Mac since its inception, has now been bottled and will be shipped to homes of those willing to bid at a high price. Mark Lollback, McDonald’s Australia’s chief marketing officer, said, “Big Mac sauce is one of the most iconic McDonald’s ingredients and people often ask us where they can buy it; so we are excited to be the first country in the world to offer tubs of Big Mac sauce to our customers.”

Big Mac lovers worldwide will attest there is definitely something special about the trademarked sauce. Truth is, the ingredients included in the sauce are no secret; according to the franchise, it is the balance of these which create the authentic flavor of the sauce. The staple ingredients found in McDonald’s savory favorite are simply mayonnaise, garlic, onion, mustard and relish.

One happy eBay customer purchased a 500ml bottle for thousands of dollars. On Feb. 11, 2015, after 134 bids, the first edition winning bid for McDonald’s special sauce was a whopping AU $20,600.00 ($15,691.74 USD). The special sauce ships in a fancy wooden box and can be delivered in Sydney for free or picked up.

Many consumers have stated this high price is a waste of money when so many around the world are hungry and homeless. Noella Stober, one of many who recently heard about the $18K sale, said, “If you are fortunate enough to be able to afford a minimum of $18K for a bottle of the sauce, you should think again and give that money you would have spent on the sauce and give it for feeding the homeless. I can make you the same sauce and charge you a fraction, a very small fraction of the price and so can many others. You can even do it yourself. You can even get a bottle made with the same logo and artwork for practically nothing and put your own sauce in it. It is not rocket science to be able to make the sauce.”

According to McDonald’s, the money is not a waste at all, but will help Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMHC). This organization has been addressing the needs of children since 1974 with staff members and 305,000 volunteers along with connections and partnerships with medical communities worldwide, respected companies and generous donors. In 2014 alone, RMHC helped nearly six million families with programs in 300 local chapters located in more than 60 countries and regions across the globe.

The well-loved condiment, which was previously delivered to the franchise in sealed canisters, can now be purchased by consumers for a limited time. McDonald’s has produced 200 bottles of their limited edition Big Mac Sauce to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Australia. For those “special sauce” lovers who have wads of money, it can be put to good use by purchasing the condiment and helping families of children around the world.

By Cherese Jackson (Virginia)

Sources:

Huffington Post: McDonald’s Is Selling Its Big Mac Special Sauce
Eater: McDonald’s Now Selling Its Big Mac Special Sauce for $18,000 a Bottle
Ronald McDonald House Charities: About Us